First new road in 100 years is no-go for cars

First new road in 100 years is no-go for cars

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King's Cross redevelopment

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King's Cross redevelopment

Map showing the boulevard linking to a new public square in the 67-acre King’s Cross Central site

Continental shift: an artist’s impression of the 'continental' road

The first major new road in London for a century is set to be car-free.

A "boulevard" through the heart of the King's Cross redevelopment will be lined with small shops, a "concept" Sainsbury's, department store and hotel.

But only buses, taxis and cyclists will be allowed to use the road, believed to be the first new major link since Kingsway opened in 1905. Planners want to create a "continental feel" and it is due to be finished by the end of next year.

The road is part of a further £50 million investment in the 67-acre scheme, now known as King's Cross Central. It is vital in connecting King's Cross and St Pancras stations with the northern half of the development site on the opposite side of the Regent's Canal.

The road will be 984 feet long and 82 feet wide. It will provide access to Granary Square, a public space as big as Trafalgar Square being created in front of the new home for Central St Martin's College of Art and Design.

Like Trafalgar Square, Granary will have fountains with 1,120 water jets and be able to host major public events.

Three partners are behind the 15-year transformation of King's Cross — developer Argent, London & Continental Railways, which built the Channel Tunnel link to St Pancras, and DHL logistics. Almost 2,000 homes are planned — 44 per cent of them affordable — and up to 4.3 million square feet of offices.

Central St Martin's will occupy the former Granary building and the eastern transit shed, with 4,500 students due to begin their studies in September next year, taught by 1,000 staff.

A deal has been signed to restore the grade-II listed Great Northern Hotel beside King's Cross station. It will have 93 bedrooms and is due to be ready for the 2012 Olympics.

Camden council is expected to move a library and some offices onto the site. A scheme is being submitted shortly for accommodation for 650 students.

Sir David Clementi, chairman of King's Cross Central, said: "We have made tremendous progress in delivering both a new home for Central St Martin's and essential site-wide infrastructure.

"Housing, student housing and offices are now also coming forward and the partnership has committed itself to re-investing the proceeds. King's Cross Central is very much in business and we are ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and utilities are provided to support this new part of central London."